By Peace Udugba
Two women have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and transmission of a false publication claiming that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations.
The defendants, identified as Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned by the Police prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, conspiracy and publication of a false statement.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants, on or about July 28, 2026, conspired with other persons now at large to transmit a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning Access Bank.
According to the charge, the publication claimed that the bank would shut down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution further alleged that the publication was circulated through Facebook and WhatsApp and was capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all three counts when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
However, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared for Ifenna Okeke, counsel to the defendants, requested a short date to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial.
The court also indicated that the defendants’ bail application would be given expeditious hearing once filed.
The charges were filed in Suit No. FHC/L/CR/773/2026.
The Charges
Count One:
The prosecution alleged that Umoh and Esu conspired with other persons now at large to knowingly transmit or cause the transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank Plc, claiming that the bank was shutting down its operations from September 23, 2026, and directing customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution said the alleged act was committed contrary to and punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Count Two:
The defendants were further accused of knowingly and intentionally transmitting through Facebook and WhatsApp a publication they allegedly knew to be false, representing that Access Bank Plc would cease banking operations from September 23, 2026, and urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution said the alleged offence contravened Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Count Three:
The defendants were also accused of knowingly publishing or reproducing a statement, rumour or report that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations from September 23, 2026, and that customers should close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution alleged that the publication was likely to cause fear and alarm among members of the public and disturb public peace, contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain to be determined by the court.
